Selectmen Approve Amazon Books License, But With a Condition

DEDHAM, MA — Amazon Books might be coming to Dedham, but the selectmen have issues with another operation that carries the name of the e-commerce giant.

Thursday night, the board approved a common victualler for the bookstore, which will include a small cafe. The license was approved on the condition that the manager appears in front of the selectmen no later than 30 days after the store opening.

The condition was a result of the representation for the store. With the main operation in Seattle and focusing on the opening of their third location, the store sent an architect hired to work on the store’s design.

“This the first time we’ve an application without the owner or an employee of the owner,” Selectman Jim MacDonald noted.

Board members also said that they have concerns with the Amazon warehouse located on Sprague Street. The board was aware that the bookstore and warehouse operations are separate, but part of the same company.

“It is a reflection on the Amazon company. I would hope that someone is listening to the concerns of the neighbors because it hasn’t gone well,” selectman Dennis Teehan said.

“It’s an interesting situation, We would like them to come to Dedham but they’re off to a bad start. We’re waiting for some improvements, we’re getting there but we’re concerned,” MacDonald said.

No opening date is set but when it opens, Dedham will have the fourth Amazon Books in the country. The store is about 7,500 square feet along with an 850-square-foot cafe.

Image: Patch file photo